Series comprises family correspondence: letters to his mother and from his uncle Thomas Fairfax in Dublin

This series comprises family correspondence: letters to his mother (FFX/6/1), his wife (FFX/6/2) and from his uncle Thomas Fairfax in Dublin (FFX/6/3). The letters to his mother include his first letter written home from sea at the age of 15, (1681). Later letters describe fox hunting with the King (James VII and II, 1687) and still later, the siege of Londonderry (1689). The letters to his wife relate to the taking of Gibraltar. The first letter, (written just before the battle) mentions that Fairfax has left his Will with Captain Whittaker. The second, (written six days later), relates that Gibraltar has fallen to a squadron of 20 ships under Rear Admiral Byng, of which Fairfax in BERWICK was a part (July 1704). Amongst the letters from his uncle Fairfax are recommendations that Fairfax leave the navy after his ‘ill usage’ and enter Parliament instead (1710).

Record Details

Item reference: FFX/6
Catalogue Section: Personal collections
Level: SERIES
Extent: 38 items
Date made: 1681 - 1710
Creator: Fairfax, Robert
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London